Assigning channel selection time intervals by broadcast region

ABSTRACT

A method for selecting a broadcast program is conducive for worldwide or global use. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method includes steps of receiving a first user input representing a first digit associated with the broadcast program, storing first data representing the first digit within one of a first predetermined time interval for a first region and a second predetermined time interval for a second region, and processing the first data for selecting the broadcast program.

This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. §365 ofInternational Application PCT/US04/10643, filed Apr. 7, 2004, which waspublished in accordance with PCT Article 21(2) on Oct. 28, 2004 inEnglish and which claims the benefit of European patent application No.03290905.3, filed Apr. 11, 2003.

The present invention generally relates to a technique for selectingbroadcast programs, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus forselecting broadcast programs that is conducive for worldwide or globaluse.

In conventional products, such as television signal receivers, a tunerincorporated therein may require users to select a broadcast program byinputting (e.g., via a remote control device) one or more digitsrepresenting a channel/program number. Although it is a very rudimentarytask, the selection of a broadcast program is very important since it isa task that users perform virtually every day. Accordingly, it isdesirable that the task of selecting a broadcast program be simple forusers to understand and perform. In geographical regions such as NorthAmerica (e.g., the United States and Canada) and South America, thedigits input by a user to select a broadcast program may be referred toas a channel number, while in other geographical regions such as Europeand Asia, these digits may be referred to as a program number. Asreferred to herein, however, the terms “channel” and “program” may beused interchangeably.

User perceptions and interaction methods concerning broadcastchannel/program selection may vary greatly in different regions of theworld due to inherent differences in culture and/or available broadcastprogramming. For example, in North America and South America, satelliteand cable television service providers frequently offer more than 100channels/programs, as opposed to countries in Europe and Asia wherebroadcasts with less than 10 channels/programs are popular. Due to suchdifferences, the same techniques for selecting broadcast programs, asthey exist today, are not used on a worldwide or global basis since suchdifferences tend to create different user perceptions and interactionmethods concerning broadcast channel/program selection.

The lack of a technique for selecting broadcast channels/programs thatis conducive for use on a worldwide or global basis is problematic forvarious reasons. In particular, it requires consumer electronicsmanufacturers to develop multiple versions of software (i.e., one foreach individual region) for enabling channel/program selection. Sinceuser interaction methods for selecting broadcast channels/programs indifferent regions may differ significantly, a significant amount ofresources may be dedicated for the development of these differentversions of software. The requirement of multiple (and perhapssignificantly different) versions of such software in turn increasesproduct development costs, which is generally disadvantageous forproduct manufacturers and/or consumers.

Accordingly, there is a need for a method and apparatus for selectingbroadcast programs that addresses the foregoing problems, and is therebyconducive for use on a worldwide or global basis.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method forselecting a broadcast program is disclosed. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the method comprises steps of receiving a first user inputrepresenting a first digit associated with the broadcast program,storing first data representing the first digit within one of a firstpredetermined time interval for a first region and a secondpredetermined time interval for a second region, and processing thefirst data for selecting the broadcast program.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an apparatusis disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatuscomprises tuning means for tuning a frequency providing a broadcastprogram. Memory means store first data representing a first digitassociated with the broadcast program responsive to a first user input.The memory means stores the first data within one of a firstpredetermined time interval for a first region and a secondpredetermined time interval for a second region. Processing meansprocess the first data and control the tuning means to select thebroadcast program.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, atelevision signal receiver is disclosed. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the television signal receiver comprises a tuner operativeto tune a frequency providing a broadcast program. A memory is operativeto store first data representing a first digit associated with thebroadcast program responsive to a first user input. The memory storesthe first data within one of a first predetermined time interval for afirst region and a second predetermined time interval for a secondregion. A processor is operative to process the first data and controlthe tuner to select the broadcast program.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, anothermethod for selecting a broadcast program is disclosed. According to anexemplary embodiment, the method comprises steps of receiving a firstuser input representing a first digit associated with the broadcastprogram, receiving a second user input representing a second digitassociated with the broadcast program, processing data corresponding tothe first and second user inputs to select the broadcast program if thesecond digit is in a first set of digits, and waiting for a third userinput representing a third digit associated with the broadcast programwithout selecting the broadcast program if the second digit is in asecond set of digits, wherein the first set of digits is different fromthe second set of digits.

In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present invention,another apparatus is disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment,the apparatus comprises tuning means for tuning frequencies providingbroadcast programs. Processing means detect a first user inputrepresenting a first digit associated with a broadcast program and asecond user input representing a second digit associated with thebroadcast program. The processing means processes data corresponding tothe first and second user inputs to select the broadcast program if thesecond digit is in a first set of digits. The processing means waits fora third user input representing a third digit associated with thebroadcast program without selecting the broadcast program if the seconddigit is in a second set of digits. The first set of digits is differentfrom the second set of digits.

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention,and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and theinvention will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary environment suitable for implementing the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram providing further details of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram representing a broadcast program selection techniqueaccording to one aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a diagram representing a broadcast program selection techniqueaccording to another aspect of the present invention.

The exemplifications set out herein illustrate preferred embodiments ofthe invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed aslimiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, anexemplary environment 100 suitable for implementing the presentinvention is shown. As indicated in FIG. 1, environment 100 comprisesuser input means such as user input device 10, and channel/programreceiving means such as apparatus 20.

User input device 10 is operative to generate and output control signalsthat control the operation of apparatus 20 and/or other devices.According to an exemplary embodiment, user input device 10 includes aplurality of input keys and outputs control signals in a wired and/orwireless (e.g., via infrared or radio frequency link, etc.) mannerresponsive to user depression of its input keys. The control signalsoutput from user input device 10 may for example represent one or moredigits of a channel/program number, and/or other commands that controlapparatus 20. User input device 10 may for example be embodied as ahand-held remote control device, wired and/or wireless keyboard, orother user input device.

Apparatus 20 is operative to receive broadcast channels/programs (e.g.,television programs, radio programs, etc.) provided from one or morebroadcast sources such as terrestrial, cable, satellite, internet and/orother broadcast sources responsive to user inputs via user input device10. According to an exemplary embodiment, apparatus 20 is embodied as atelevision signal receiver, but may be embodied as any device orapparatus such as a radio having a broadcast channel/program receivingfunction.

Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram providing further details ofapparatus 20 of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention is shown. Apparatus 20 of FIG. 2 comprises front panelmeans such as front panel assembly (FPA) 11, amplifying means such asamplifier 12, processing means such as processor 13, memory means suchas memory 14, and tuning means such as tuner 15. Some of the foregoingelements of FIG. 2 may be embodied using integrated circuits (ICs), andsome elements may for example be included on one or more ICs. Forclarity of description, certain conventional elements associated withapparatus 20 such as certain control signals, power signals and/or otherelements may not be shown in FIG. 2.

FPA 11 is operative to receive user inputs from user input device 10,and to output signals corresponding to the user inputs to amplifier 12.According to an exemplary embodiment, FPA 11 receives wireless signals,such as IR and/or RF signals, from remote control device 10 andgenerates corresponding signals which are output to amplifier 12.Amplifier 12 is operative to amplify the signals provided from FPA 11for output to processor 13.

Processor 13 is operative to perform various signal processing functionsof apparatus 20. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 13 mayexecute software code representing algorithms which enablechannel/program selection according to the present invention. Accordingto this exemplary embodiment, processor 13 is operative to detect userinputs provided via user input device 10, process data corresponding tosuch inputs, and may control apparatus 20 and/or other devicesresponsive to such inputs. For example, processor 13 may generate andoutput control signals which control tuner 15 responsive to user inputsprovided via user input device 10. Processor 13 is also operative tocontrol and monitor various timers, and enable various displays used forchannel/program selection according to the present invention.

Memory 14 is operative to perform data storage functions of apparatus20. According to an exemplary embodiment, memory 14 stores dataincluding software code representing channel/program selectionalgorithms executed by processor 13. Memory 14 may also store other dataincluding data corresponding to user inputs (e.g., channel/programdigits, user setup data for apparatus 20, etc.) provided via user inputdevice 10.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a user setup process of apparatus20 may allow a user to input user setup data including an applicableregion and/or broadcast source for apparatus 20. The applicable regionfor apparatus 20 may for example refer to a geographical region (e.g.,Europe, Asia, North America, South America, etc.), and/or a serviceprovider region. Here, a “service provider region” may for example referto a region which receives broadcast programs from a particular serviceprovider (e.g., a particular internet service provider, cable serviceprovider, satellite service provider, etc.). The applicable broadcastsource for apparatus 20 may refer to a type of broadcast source (e.g.,cable, terrestrial, satellite, internet, etc.) from which apparatus 20will receive broadcast programs. As will be described later herein,broadcast program selection may be performed differently according tothe present invention depending upon the applicable region and/orbroadcast source for apparatus 20. For example, different predeterminedtime intervals may be used when performing broadcast program selectiondepending upon the applicable region and/or broadcast source forapparatus 20. Data indicating the applicable region and/or broadcastsource for apparatus 20 may also be stored in memory 14 during themanufacture of apparatus 20.

Tuner 15 is operative to tune frequencies that provide signals includingaudio, video and/or data signals representing broadcast programs (e.g.,television programs, radio programs, etc.) provided from one or morebroadcast sources such as terrestrial, cable, satellite, internet and/orother broadcast sources. According to an exemplary embodiment, tuner 15selectively tunes such frequencies responsive to control signalsprovided from processor 13.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a diagram 300 representing a broadcast programselection technique according to one aspect of the present invention isshown. In particular, diagram 300 illustrates different states and userinteractions associated with a broadcast program selection techniquethat may be used for 1-digit and/or 2-digit channel/program numbers. Thebroadcast program selection technique of FIG. 3 may for example be usedfor terrestrial broadcasts in regions such as North America, SouthAmerica, Europe and Asia, cable broadcasts in regions such as NorthAmerica and South America, as well as other types of broadcasts such asinternet broadcasts in various regions of the world. As previouslyindicated herein, users may select an applicable region such as ageographical region and/or a service provider region during a setupprocess for apparatus 20. For purposes of example and explanation, FIG.3 will be described with reference to apparatus 20 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

In FIG. 3, various abbreviations may be used as follows:

-   -   CH/PR represents broadcast channel/program.    -   T1 represents a predetermined time interval. According to an        exemplary embodiment, T1 may represent a first predetermined        time interval (e.g., 1 second, etc.) that may be used for a        first region (e.g., Europe/Asia, first service provider region,        etc.), and/or a longer, second predetermined time interval        (e.g., 1.5 seconds, etc.) that may be used for a second region        (e.g., North America/South America, second service provider        region, etc.).    -   T2 represents another predetermined time interval (e.g., 1.5        seconds, etc.).    -   T5 represents still another predetermined time interval (e.g., 5        seconds, etc.).    -   D represents a digit (e.g., DX-Y represents digits X to Y).    -   Status 2 represents a display state which provides a CH/PR        number and/or CH/PR name.    -   V represents valid. According to an exemplary embodiment, a        CH/PR and/or its number may be considered valid if it is        different from a current CH/PR, different from the digit 0, in        the CH/PR range of 1 through 99 for broadcasts in certain        regions (e.g., Europe/Asia, certain service provider regions,        etc.), in the CH/PR range of 2 through 69 for terrestrial        broadcasts in certain regions (e.g., North America/South        America, certain service provider regions, etc.), and/or in the        CH/PR range of 1 through 125 for cable broadcasts in certain        regions (e.g., North America/South America, certain service        provider regions, etc.). Other conditions may also be used when        considering validity.

In FIG. 3, broadcast program selection begins when a user inputs a firstdigit D via user input device 10, thereby creating state 1 representedby reference numeral 310. At state 1 in FIG. 3, apparatus 20 provides adisplay “D-” under the control of processor 13, but no change to thecurrent CH/PR occurs. Also at state 1 in FIG. 3, processor 13 startspredetermined time interval T1, and data corresponding to the firstdigit D is stored in memory 14 within this predetermined time intervalT1 under the control of processor 13. In FIG. 3, a first predeterminedtime interval such as 1 second or other time interval may for example beused for time interval T1 in a first region (e.g., Europe/Asia, firstservice provider region, etc.), or a longer, second predetermined timeinterval such as 1.5 seconds or other time interval may for example beused for time interval T1 in a second region (e.g., North America/SouthAmerica, second service provider region, etc.). All time intervalsreferred to herein are presumed to be positive (i.e., non-zero) timeintervals.

From state 1 in FIG. 3, process flow may advance to state 2 representedby reference numeral 320. Process flow advances from state 1 to state 2in FIG. 3 if predetermined time interval T1 expires before processor 13detects another user input, as represented by reference numeral 312. Atstate 2 in FIG. 3, apparatus 20 continues to provide the display “D-”and processor 13 makes a determination as to whether the CH/PR numberrepresented by first digit D is valid in the manner previously describedherein. If the CH/PR number represented by first digit D is valid,processor 13 outputs a control signal to tuner 15 to thereby switch thecurrent CH/PR to CH/PR D. Conversely, if the CH/PR number represented byfirst digit D is invalid, no change to the current CH/PR occurs. Also atstate 2 in FIG. 3, processor 13 starts another predetermined timeinterval T2. In FIG. 3, a predetermined time interval such as 1.5seconds or other time interval may for example be used for time intervalT2.

From state 1 in FIG. 3, process flow may also advance to state 3represented by reference numeral 330. Process flow advances from state 1to state 3 in FIG. 3 if processor 13 detects the user input an “OK” keyof user input device 10 before predetermined time period T1 expires, asrepresented by reference numeral 317. At state 3 in FIG. 3, apparatus 20temporarily provides the display “D” and then switches to the status 2display as previously described herein under the control of processor13. Also at state 3 in FIG. 3, processor 13 makes a determination as towhether the CH/PR number represented by first digit D is valid in themanner previously described herein. If the CH/PR number represented byfirst digit D is valid, processor 13 outputs a control signal to tuner15 to thereby switch the current CH/PR to CH/PR D. Conversely, if theCH/PR number represented by first digit D is invalid, no change to thecurrent CH/PR occurs.

From state 1 in FIG. 3, process flow may also advance to state 5represented by reference numeral 350. Process flow advances from state 1to state 5 in FIG. 3 if processor 13 detects the user input a seconddigit D via user input device 10 before predetermined time period T1expires and first and second digits DD are not 00, as represented byreference numeral 322. At state 5 in FIG. 3, apparatus 20 temporarilyprovides the display “DD” and then switches to the status 2 display aspreviously described herein under the control of processor 13. Also atstate 5 in FIG. 3, processor 13 makes a determination as to whether theCH/PR number represented by first and second digits DD is valid in themanner previously described herein. If the CH/PR number represented byfirst and second digits DD is valid, processor 13 outputs a controlsignal to tuner 15 to thereby switch the current CH/PR to CH/PR DD.Conversely, if the CH/PR number represented by first and second digitsDD is invalid, no change to the current CH/PR occurs.

From state 1 in FIG. 3, process flow may also advance to state 6represented by reference numeral 360. Process flow advances from state 1to state 6 in FIG. 3 if first digit D is 0 and processor 13 detects theuser input a second 0 digit via user input device 10 beforepredetermined time period T1 expires, as represented by referencenumeral 327. At state 6 in FIG. 3, apparatus 20 provides the display“--” under the control of processor 13, and no change to the currentCH/PR occurs. Also at state 6 in FIG. 3, processor 13 starts anotherpredetermined time interval T5. In FIG. 3, a predetermined time intervalsuch as 5 seconds or other time interval may for example be used fortime interval T5.

From state 2 in FIG. 3, process flow may advance to state 4 asrepresented by reference numeral 340. Process flow advances from state 2to state 4 in FIG. 3 if predetermined time interval T2 expires beforeprocessor 13 detects another user input, as represented by referencenumeral 332. At state 4 in FIG. 3, apparatus 20 provides the status 2display as previously described herein, and no change to the currentCH/PR occurs.

From state 2 in FIG. 3, process flow may also advance to state 6 aspreviously described herein. Process flow advances from state 2 to state6 in FIG. 3 if first digit D is 0 and processor 13 detects the userinput a second 0 digit via user input device 10 before predeterminedtime period T2 expires, as represented by reference numeral 337.

From state 6 in FIG. 3, process flow may advance to state 1 aspreviously described herein. Process flow advances from state 6 to state1 in FIG. 3 if the user inputs the digit 0 via user input device 10before predetermined time period T5 expires, as represented by referencenumeral 342.

From state 6 in FIG. 3, process flow may also advance to state 7represented by reference numeral 370. Process flow advances from state 6to state 7 in FIG. 3 if processor 13 detects the user input a digit D of1 through 9 via user input device 10 before predetermined time period T5expires, as represented by reference numeral 347. At state 7 in FIG. 3,apparatus 20 provides a display “D-” under the control of processor 13,but no change to the current CH/PR occurs. Also at state 7 in FIG. 3,processor 13 starts predetermined time interval T5.

From state 6 in FIG. 3, process flow may also advance to state 8 asrepresented by reference numeral 380. Process flow advances from state 6to state 8 in FIG. 3 if predetermined time period T5 expires beforeprocessor 13 detects another user input, as represented by referencenumeral 352. At state 8 in FIG. 3, apparatus 20 provides a blank displayunder the control of processor 13, and no change to the current CH/PRoccurs.

From state 7 in FIG. 3, process flow may advance to state 5, aspreviously described herein. Process flow advances from state 7 to state5 in FIG. 3 if processor 13 detects the user input another digit Dbefore predetermined time period T5 expires, as represented by referencenumeral 357.

From state 7 in FIG. 3, process flow may also advance to state 8, aspreviously described herein. Process flow advances from state 7 to state8 in FIG. 3 if predetermined time period T5 expires before processor 13detects another user input, as represented by reference numeral 352.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a diagram 400 representing a broadcast programselection technique according to another aspect of the present inventionis shown. In particular, diagram 400 illustrates different states anduser interactions associated with a broadcast program selectiontechnique that may be used for 1-digit, 2-digit and/or 3-digitchannel/program numbers. For purposes of example and explanation, it isassumed in FIG. 4 that the first input digit is 1, although it will beintuitive to those skilled in the art that the principles reflected inFIG. 4 may also be used if the first input digit is not 1. The broadcastprogram selection technique of FIG. 4 may for example be used for cablebroadcasts in regions such as North America and South America, as wellas other types of broadcasts such as internet broadcasts in variousregions of the world. FIG. 4 also uses many of the same abbreviationsused in FIG. 3, as previously described herein. Also for purposes ofexample and explanation, FIG. 4 will be described with reference toapparatus 20 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

In FIG. 4, broadcast program selection begins when a user inputs thedigit 1 via user input device 10, thereby creating state 1 representedby reference numeral 410. At state 1 in FIG. 4, apparatus 20 provides adisplay “1--” under the control of processor 13, but no change to thecurrent CH/PR occurs. Also at state 1 in FIG. 4, processor 13 startspredetermined time interval T2, and data corresponding to the digit 1 isstored in memory 14 within this predetermined time interval T2 under thecontrol of processor 13. In FIG. 4, a predetermined time interval suchas 1.5 seconds or other time interval may for example be used for timeinterval T2.

From state 1 in FIG. 4, process flow may advance to state 2 representedby reference numeral 420. Process flow advances from state 1 to state 2in FIG. 4 if predetermined time interval T2 expires before processor 13detects another user input, as represented by reference numeral 412. Atstate 2 in FIG. 4, apparatus 20 provides a blank display under thecontrol of processor 13, and no change to the current CH/PR occurs.

From state 1 in FIG. 4, process flow may also advance to state 3represented by reference numeral 430. Process flow advances from state 1to state 3 in FIG. 4 if processor 13 detects the user input the “OK” keyof user input device 10 before predetermined time period T2 expires, asrepresented by reference numeral 417. At state 3 in FIG. 4, apparatus 20temporarily provides the display “1” and then switches to the status 2display as previously described herein under the control of processor13. Also at state 3 in FIG. 4, processor 13 outputs a control signal totuner 15 to thereby switch the current CH/PR to CH/PR 1.

From state 1 in FIG. 4, process flow may also advance to state 4represented by reference numeral 440. Process flow advances from state 1to state 4 in FIG. 4 if processor 13 detects the user input a digit D of3 through 9 via user input device 10 before predetermined time period T2expires, as represented by reference numeral 422. At state 4 in FIG. 4,apparatus 20 temporarily provides the display “1D” and then switches tothe status 2 display as previously described herein under the control ofprocessor 13. Also at state 4 in FIG. 4, processor 13 outputs a controlsignal to tuner 15 to thereby switch the current CH/PR to CH/PR 1D.

From state 1 in FIG. 4, process flow may also advance to state 5represented by reference numeral 450. Process flow advances from state 1to state 5 in FIG. 4 if processor 13 detects the user input a digit D of0 through 2 via user input device 10 before predetermined time period T2expires, as represented by reference numeral 427. At state 5 in FIG. 4,apparatus 20 provides the display “1D-” under the control of processor13, and no change to the current CH/PR occurs. Also at state 5 in FIG.4, processor 13 again starts predetermined time interval T2.

From state 5 in FIG. 4, process flow may advance to state 4, aspreviously described herein. Process flow advances from state 5 to state4 in FIG. 4 if processor 13 detects the user input the “OK” key of userinput device 10 before predetermined time period T2 expires, asrepresented by reference numeral 432.

From state 5 in FIG. 4, process flow may also advance to state 6represented by reference numeral 460. Process flow advances from state 5to state 6 in FIG. 4 if predetermined time interval T2 expires beforeprocessor 13 detects another user input, as represented by referencenumeral 437. At state 6 in FIG. 4, apparatus 20 provides the display“1D” and processor 13 outputs a control signal to tuner 15 to therebyswitch the current CH/PR to CH/PR 1D. Also at state 6 in FIG. 4,processor 13 again starts predetermined time interval T2.

From state 5 in FIG. 4, process flow may also advance to state 8represented by reference numeral 480. Process flow advances from state 5to state 8 in FIG. 4 if processor 13 detects the user input a digit Dvia user input device 10 before predetermined time period T2 expires, asrepresented by reference numeral 442. At state 8 in FIG. 4, apparatus 20temporarily provides the display “1 DD” and then switches to the status2 display as previously described herein under the control of processor13. Also at state 8 in FIG. 4, processor 13 makes a determination as towhether the CH/PR number represented by digits 1DD is valid in themanner previously described herein. If the CH/PR number represented bydigits 1DD is valid, processor 13 outputs a control signal to tuner 15to thereby switch the current CH/PR to CH/PR 1DD. Conversely, if theCH/PR number represented by digits 1DD is invalid, no change to thecurrent CH/PR occurs.

From state 6 in FIG. 4, process flow may advance to state 7 representedby reference numeral 470. Process flow advances from state 6 to state 7in FIG. 4 if predetermined time interval T2 expires before processor 13detects another user input, as represented by reference numeral 447. Atstate 7 in FIG. 4, apparatus 20 provides the status 2 display aspreviously described herein under the control of processor 13, and nochange to the current CH/PR occurs.

From state 6 in FIG. 4, process flow may also advance to state 8 aspreviously described herein. Process flow advances from state 6 to state8 in FIG. 4 if processor 13 detects the user input a digit D via userinput device 10 before predetermined time period T2 expires, asrepresented by reference numeral 442.

Numerous variations of the broadcast program selection techniques ofFIGS. 3 and 4 may also exist and fall within the scope of the presentinvention. For example, the CH/PR displays referred to in FIGS. 3 and 4may be omitted based on design choice.

As described herein, the present invention provides apparatus forselecting broadcast programs that is conducive for worldwide or globaluse. The geographical regions expressly mentioned herein are examplesonly, and the present invention may also be applied to othergeographical regions. Moreover, the present invention may be applicableto various apparatuses having a channel/program receiving function,either with or without a display device. Accordingly, the phrase“television signal receiver” as used herein may refer to systems orapparatuses including, but not limited to, television sets, radios,computers or monitors that include a display device, and systems orapparatuses such as set-top boxes, video cassette recorders (VCRs),digital versatile disk (DVD) players, radios, video game boxes, personalvideo recorders (PVRs), computers or other apparatuses that may notinclude a display device.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design,the present invention can be further modified within the spirit andscope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended tocover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using itsgeneral principles. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fallwithin the limits of the appended claims.

1. A method for selecting a broadcast program, comprising: storing afirst time interval associated with a first region and a secondpredetermined time interval associated with a second region; receiving auser selection of one of said first region and said second region;storing data corresponding to one of said first region and said secondregion responsive to said user selection receiving a first user inputrepresenting a first digit associated with said broadcast program;storing first data representing said first digit within one of saidfirst predetermined time interval for said first region in response tosaid stored data corresponding to said first region and said secondpredetermined time interval for said second region in response to saidstored data corresponding to said second region; and processing saidfirst data for selecting said broadcast program, wherein said firstpredetermined time interval and said second predetermined time intervalare non-zero time intervals and wherein said first predetermined timeinterval is shorter than said second predetermined time interval andsaid first data is processed after one of said first and secondpredetermined time intervals expires.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprised of: receiving a second user input representing a second digitassociated with said broadcast program within one of said first andsecond predetermined time intervals; and processing said second data forselecting said broadcast program.
 3. The method of claim 1, furthercomprised of: receiving a second user input representing a second digitassociated with said broadcast program within a third predetermined timeinterval after one of said first and second predetermined time intervalsexpires; and processing said second data for selecting said broadcastprogram.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said first region includesEurope and Asia.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said second regionincludes North America and South America.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein: said first region receives first broadcast programs from afirst service provider; and said second region receives second broadcastprograms from a second service provider.
 7. An apparatus, comprising:tuning means for tuning a frequency providing a broadcast program;memory means for storing a first predetermined time interval associatedwith a first region and a second predetermined time interval associatedwith a second region, said memory means further operative to store auser selection indicating one of said first region and said secondregion, said memory means further operative for storing first datarepresenting a first digit associated with said broadcast programresponsive to a first user input, said memory means storing said firstdata within one of a first predetermined time interval for a firstregion in response to said user selection indicating said first regionand a second predetermined time interval for a second region in responseto said user selection indicating said second region; and processingmeans for processing said first data and controlling said tuning meansto select said broadcast program, wherein said first predetermined timeinterval and said second predetermined time interval are non-zero timeintervals and wherein said first predetermined time interval is shorterthan said second predetermined time interval and said processing meansprocesses said first data after one of said first and secondpredetermined time intervals expires.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7,wherein said processing means: detects a second user input representinga second digit associated with said broadcast program within one of saidfirst and second predetermined time intervals; and processes said seconddata for selecting said broadcast program.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7,wherein said processing means: detects a second user input representinga second digit associated with said broadcast program within a thirdpredetermined time interval after one of said first and secondpredetermined time intervals expires; and processes said second data forselecting said broadcast program.
 10. The apparatus of claim 7, whereinsaid first region includes Europe and Asia.
 11. The apparatus of claim7, wherein said second region includes North America and South America.12. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein: said first region receives firstbroadcast programs from a first service provider; and said second regionreceives second broadcast programs from a second service provider.
 13. Atelevision signal receiver, comprising: a tuner operative to tune afrequency providing a broadcast program; a memory for storing a firstpredetermined time interval associated with a first region and a secondpredetermined time interval associated with a second region, said memoryfurther operative to store a user selection indicating one of said firstregion and said second region, said memory further operative for storingfirst data representing a first digit associated with said broadcastprogram responsive to a first user input, said memory means storing saidfirst data within one of a first predetermined time interval for a firstregion in response to said user selection indicating said first regionand a second predetermined time interval for a second region in responseto said user selection indicating said second region; and a processoroperative to process said first data and control said tuner to selectsaid broadcast program, wherein said first predetermined time intervaland said second predetermined time interval are non-zero time intervalsand wherein said first predetermined time interval is shorter than saidsecond predetermined time interval; and said processor processes saidfirst data after one of said first and second predetermined timeintervals expires.
 14. The television signal receiver of claim 13,wherein said processor is further operative to: detect a second userinput representing a second digit associated with said broadcast programwithin one of said first and second predetermined time intervals; andprocess said second data to select said broadcast program.
 15. Thetelevision signal receiver of claim 13, wherein said processor isfurther operative to: detect a second user input representing a seconddigit associated with said broadcast program within a thirdpredetermined time interval after one of said first and secondpredetermined time intervals expires; and process said second data toselect said broadcast program.
 16. The television signal receiver ofclaim 13, wherein said first region includes Europe and Asia.
 17. Thetelevision signal receiver of claim 13, wherein said second regionincludes North America and South America.
 18. The television signalreceiver of claim 13, wherein: said first region receives firstbroadcast programs from a first service provider; and said second regionreceives second broadcast programs from a second service provider.